"They really hit the ground running," said Steve Beshear, interviewed by CNN. "They're working very hard to get all the equipment and supplies here that we need."

Crews have been working to restore power and water service to hundreds of thousands of people. Beshear said that while he realizes "nothing moves fast enough," he said the federal assistance "has been a great help to us so far."

Beshear, a Democrat, explained that when the first wave of bad weather came through on Tuesday and Wednesday morning, officials realized that they needed additional help.

"I called the White House directly at that time. I had my other folks talking to FEMA, but I went straight to the top because we needed fast help," he said.

He said he spoke to the director of intergovernment relations and said she walked Kentucky's paperwork through. He said President Obama called him and told him he was announcing an emergency declaration for the state.

"I can't tell you how appreciative we were," the governor said. "He not only expressed his concern, but he obviously had the Kentuckians in his thoughts and prayers, and he communicated that to us."

Beshear noted that forecasters are warning of another storm front heading to the region early next week.

"If we do, we're putting out that word to the White House and FEMA right now, we're going to need even more help," he said.

soundoff(40 Responses)

I live in Central Kentucky and my house (neighborhood) is still without power. With that said, I am very pleased with the reponse of President Obama's administration.

@Erik S.

It's the ICE from the ICE storm, not the snow, that's causing a problem and this ICE Storm has also caused major problems in other states. But thanks for your concern.

January 30, 2009 03:37 pm at 3:37 pm |

Brian

Obama is proof that the Democratic party IS the party that cares about the people!

Actions speak louder than words - Obama is the best !!

Yes he did !!😀

January 30, 2009 03:38 pm at 3:38 pm |

Ethan

It's not about big govt or small govt, but GOOD GOVT.

Prez Obama + Dems = Good Govt

Be safe people in KY!

January 30, 2009 04:55 pm at 4:55 pm |

watcher

And just the other day Obama was cracking jokes that people in the south don't know how to handle snow. What a quick turnaround. Our Pres sure knows his flip from his flop!

January 30, 2009 05:02 pm at 5:02 pm |

So Cal

The Obama/Biden Administration is fast reacting and swift with its response to helping the people in need and cleaning up the mess. Even in a storm that is not that bad compared to others. Hurricane Katrina was more important than this and the Bush/Cheney Administration did not do ANYTHING until 2 or 3 days after it hit. Obama's efforts affected Kentucky on the same day as the storm and for the next few days as well, out of their own initiative as well!

January 30, 2009 05:13 pm at 5:13 pm |

John in AZ

GOd Bess you folks affected by this brutal weather. I'm prod that our Federal Government is out there looking out for your and your neighbors like they should! Stay warm.

January 30, 2009 05:22 pm at 5:22 pm |

Observant

Thank You, Obama...What a difference, a government that cares

January 30, 2009 05:28 pm at 5:28 pm |

Denver Dem

And what did you people expect. Obama is the man and he genuinely cares about americans. Unlike the last putz and his klan member buddies who would have let the whole likes of that part of the country freeze to death.

Remember what happened in Katrina, and how much the Republi-KLANS cared at that time.

January 30, 2009 05:46 pm at 5:46 pm |

bbech

Eric S,

Get a clue. Ice in the south is not a good thing. They don't have the equipment to handle it. It's not a big deal up here in the great white north because we have equipment to handle these types of storms. The power goes out here when we get too much ice as well. However, we don't get too much ice because it's usually cold enough to snow.

bbech in WI

January 30, 2009 05:52 pm at 5:52 pm |

Allen

All Obama did was sign a piece of paper! Judging by the headline, you would have thought that Obama, Biden, and Rahm went to Kentucky and manned the plows themselves. It's amazing how determined the media is to make this guy (Obama) look good......of course their job will get progressively harder as time goes by.

January 30, 2009 06:01 pm at 6:01 pm |

Weareallfamily

neither party cares about the people, they care about the votes the people bring.

January 30, 2009 06:03 pm at 6:03 pm |

Carey

I too live in Central KY and I am thankful for all the help my fellow Kentuckians are receiving. It is a blessing having all these crews here to help and I ask all of you to make donations to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and the United Way. Supplies are running low and if there is another storm coming, we will need all hands on deck.

Trees are falling and people are dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. Flooding will soon be a problem as well.

Keep praying and remember, this isn't the time to blame anyone. This is the time to rise to the occasion and help out where it is needed.

January 30, 2009 06:06 pm at 6:06 pm |

good gal

i for one am glad to see change. i believe pres. oboma was elected at a time when we the people really need hime. her is doing a lot better than bush ever thought of doing his entire two terms in office. i think pres. oboma is trying to mend a situation that was left to him. give hime a break at least he is trying and showing the people he cares while he is at it.

January 31, 2009 07:22 am at 7:22 am |

Jim

It's peculiar how the loyalists from both parties yammer at each other, and cheer like grade scool children for their "side". The independents are going to demand real results, or we'll just "throw thses rascals out" next time – the way we threw out the last group of "rascals". Independents wish the best for the Obama Administration, but "the proof is in the puding"!